engine build

**98v6owner** · 09-07-2013, 09:01 PM

Has anyone gone through with an engine build for the 3.8 if so about how much power can i be looking at for how much $$$

**2002ssslp** · 09-08-2013, 02:56 PM

I would start with a solid bottom end. A quality crank and forged rods and pistons. Have everything balanced. Make sure your machine shop has a good reputation and goes through your block and heads properly from hot tanking to cam bearings and everything in between. I would not go over 10.1 compression for street use and make sure you match the compression, cam and heads. Your HP with come from NOS so you can drive normally until you need a kick. I feel you can get 500 hp out of this type of build and expect to spend about 4k or so on the engine. Next you will need to build a solid trans and rear to handle the power. I would put aside another 4k for that combo. By the time you upgrade the suspension and a few other goodies like programming you should be at 10k total. Good luck with the project.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 09-08-2013, 05:45 PM

What is your budget, OP? Personally, I wouldn't spend more on suspension and engine mods than what the car was worth.

**raynor139** · 09-09-2013, 10:02 AM

2002ssslp is pretty got you going in the right direction. Another option over NOS is a super charger. You can pick up pretty cheap used ones sometimes or buy a new one that make more power from the after market. Hit up one of the gtp boards they have some crazy 3.8 builds on those.

But honestly you will probably never come close to recouping the money you put in it unless you just find a 3.8 fanatic.